Argument Over TV Escalates Into Stabbing, Police Say

An argument over a TV is believed to have escalated into a stabbing. Benson Police and Johnston County EMS responded to a 911 call around 5:30pm Friday reporting the assault at 831 Blackman Street. According to police, 51 year-old Malcolm Steve Logan of West Harnett Street, Benson was found in a chair on the front porch suffering from a stab wound to the abdomen.

Police located the suspect, 47 year-old Elizabeth Ann Shaw of the same address, inside the residence. A knife used in the assault was found on the kitchen counter. Police said she asked if she was going to jail as she was being handcuffed. Shaw then allegedly said she “didn’t mean to.”

According to police the victim and suspect, who were in a relationship, had exchanged words over the TV being played loudly and Shaw allegedly slapped him. Logan said he pushed her, at which time she went into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, then stabbed him once in the stomach.

Shaw claimed she asked Logan to turn the TV down but he told her to wait. As she went to turn the TV down, she claimed Logan pushed her then punched her in the face three times. She claimed she grabbed a knife to “swing it at him” but never meant to cut him. Shaw claimed she was defending herself.

Police said they asked Shaw to show them where she had been punched but officers said they were unable to find any swelling, bruising, scratches or other marks on her face to indicate she had been hit.

Police said two juvenile children were present and witnessed the stabbing.